A 10th century Shivling found in Jammu & Kashmir & preserved at the the Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum.
A significant archaeological find in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has resulted in the unearthing of a 10th-century Shivling. This ancient relic was discovered during routine sand extraction by local laborers in the Jhelum River near the Army camp at Khanpora, Baramulla.
A 10th-century Shivling reportedly unearthed in Jammu & Kashmir and preserved at the SPS Museum for public viewing does not appear to be officially confirmed by credible sources. However, the Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum in Srinagar does house several ancient sculptures and lingams dating from the 2nd to the 14th century, including a notable 10th-century stone statue of Lord Shiva originating from Gupkar, Srinagar. These are part of its permanent collection, which showcases Kashmir’s rich tradition of stone and bronze sculpture.
There has been a recent archaeological discovery in Anantnag district, where 1,400-year-old Hindu idols and Shivlings were unearthed during spring restoration works. These artifacts are believed to date back to the 7th century CE and have been taken into museum custody for preservation and further study. While these findings are significant, they are older than the 10th century and not specifically linked to the SPS Museum’s existing collection yet.
Therefore, while the SPS Museum does preserve 10th-century Shiva artifacts, there is no confirmed report that a newly unearthed 10th-century Shivling has been added to the museum’s collection. The only confirmed recent discoveries involve even older Shivlings from Anantnag, which are still under examination or early preservation phases.
